"Tempus Vernum" by Enya from A Day Without Rain

"Woah… This is dark."

This common reaction to "Tempus Vernum" has merit. The two minutes and odd seconds of "Tempus Vernum" are packed with darkly-toned music in a Celtic style. The Irish singer's mature voice suits the epic style, remeniscent of "Requiem for a Tower".

The music and vocals meld beautifully if you're fond of dark-sounding music. A Day Without Rain is much lauded as the best album yet produced by Enya (born Eithne Ni Bhraonain), and "Tempus Vernum stands out as one of the best songs on the album.

The Latin lyrics add an ironic twist. While the Latin itself accents the dark feel, the song title is "Spring Time"! Throughout the song, it speaks of opposites in nature, particularly of times of day and cardinal locations. (Though most hearers wouldn't understand that.)

Do you like "Requiem for a Tower"? Check out this song for a comparable treat!

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Lyrics: 5/5
Music: 5/5
Vocal(s): 5/5
Overall: 10/10

"With Or Without You" by U2 from The Joshua Tree

With its laid-back version of rock that reminds me of a pulsating heart, "With Or Without You" somewhat soothes me even while it tenses me from the base. (Hey, music can have biological effects. I'm just more aware of those biological effects than most.)

At least the contrast amongst the beat, base, and relaxed aspect of the song are built up for a bit of a climax. The music's on the better side of average, at least, but… this song by the long-lived Irish band U2 still sounds pretty average to me. I'm not sure why the band's a top seller, unless it's from the novelty of that contrast.

The singer—I think Bono?—irritates me with his voice's laziness. And inconsistent emotion. The guy's voice is a bit whispery for much of it, then decides to gain some emotion for the bridge. Evidently, he can't do both at once.

"With Or Without You" uses some somewhat gruesome imagery to express the guy's waiting and wanting more than is given. With "thorn twist[ing] in your side" and "bed of nails" on which "she makes [him] wait", I'm honestly can't say I mind his torment. "You gave it all but I want more" he says to the girl.

I'd rather go find a singer with a higher ideal of what a girl's worth, thanks, besides being not quite so… Well, rude.

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Lyrics: 3/5
Music: 3/5
Vocal(s): 2/5
Overall: 5/10